The Sunshine Daydreams Project – A letter from the editor

May 18, 2016

In a few months, The Poke Around will have completed a full trip around the sun.

It seems like just yesterday we were getting together at our usual hang out in Boone to bounce around ideas about this music news site we wanted to put together for fun. It was going to be much more than fun, though. While we didn’t quite know how to measure our expectations of what this idea would become, I was energized and eager to make it something great. So far, The Poke Around is more than I ever imagined, and I feel that there’s still a long way to go before full potential is met, which makes me just plain giddy with excitement.

Of course, I far from did this alone. Richard Oakley, our Managing Editor and dear friend of mine, pretty much is The Poke Around. Before I ever read a single word Richard wrote, I had no doubt that he’d be a great journalist and a perfect voice for the live music community. From our first ever coverage of David Grisman Sextet, to an awestruck LOCKN’ experience, to now pumping out a couple of articles a week, things are really rolling.

That said, I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to and supported this publication along the ride. There is nothing I love more about my life (that isn’t a human or a dog) than reading and seeing your live music adventures. The passion is beautiful, and The Poke Around wouldn’t exist without your individual perspectives.

Now, I’d like to bring it in and ask all of our readers to think about what your live music plans are in the next few months, as we enter festival season. What are you most excited about? What are your goals? We all purchase these tickets, travel these lengths..when we make these decisions that other people might look at as rash, is there a moment in mind this summer where you know the means will meet the end for you? I mean, really think about it..and then, write about it! We want to spread the words of music lovers through The Poke Around. Whether you consider yourself a writer or not, we want to hear from you. Your letter or wish list can be long, short, and in any format. Just put your excitement for this summer into words, and just maybe, time until festival season and summer tour will pass by a little faster. Submit your words and a photo to thepokearound@gmail.com.

Personally, I can’t wait to be united with my greatest friends at Floydfest. I plan on taking the time to soak in some beautiful Southwest Virginia sunsets and to jump around like the happiest person alive to Railroad Earth, like I always do. And I hope Leftover Salmon brings the “FESTIVAAALLLLLL.” I know they will. I also can’t wait for my third year seeing Dark Star Orchestra at Pocahontas State Park. As long as my mom and siblings are there to sway and sing “Brokedown Palace” with our great Warfield singing voices, I won’t get upset if there aren’t fireworks this time.

Lastly, I sincerely can’t wait for my inbox to fill up with stories and photographs from all of your own live music adventures. Never stop pokin’ around!

Here’s to (almost) one exciting year that is the start of many to come. Bring on festival season!